At MU Health Care, we’re committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone who walks through our doors. One way we do this is by fostering strong partnerships between our care teams and the people they serve.
Our patient and family advisory councils (PFACs) play a key role in this effort. These groups bring together hospital staff, patients, family members, caregivers and others to collaborate on ways to enhance and improve health care experiences for all.
What Do Patient and Family Advisory Councils do?
Patient and family advisors work with staff, nurses and doctors to address issues in specific care areas. Members share their experiences and ideas to help inform the council about ways we can improve. The goal is to consider, design, implement and evaluate health care programs and policies to help ensure the best possible care for patients and their families.
What are the Qualities of a Council Member?
Our PFACs are always looking for people interested in volunteering their time to serve on the council. A member:
- Collaborates on solutions
- Has passion for enhancing the health care experience
- Listens well
- Respects differing perspectives and opinions
- Sees beyond his or her own personal experience
- Shares insights and experience in productive ways
Responsibilities and Expectations
As a patient and family advisor, your experiences are a powerful tool for inspiring change in our hospitals and clinics. The time and energy you invest sharing your perspective and helps us make important changes.
As a member, it’s expected you:
- Support and commit to the mission and vision of our hospital
- Attend orientation and training
- Prepare for meetings, as needed, by reviewing materials, reading reports or completing a task
- Attend meetings as required, or reach out to your chair if you cannot attend
- Actively participate in meetings
- Maintain confidentiality
As your health partner, we’re committed to:
- Providing you with training and resources you need to be an engaged advisor
- Identifying staff coordinators who can help you prepare for meetings, provide information and be available if you have comments, questions or concerns about your role
- Listening and respond to your ideas and suggestions
- Keeping you informed on how your feedback and ideas contribute to changes
- Providing you with compensation to help with travel expenses directly related to your attendance at advisory meetings
PFAC Focus Areas
Each advisory council will use the following framework focus areas to guide efforts and make meaningful contributions to improving care, services and outcomes for patients and their families.
- Improving Patient Experience: Enhance the overall experience of patient and their families during their health care visits.
- Enhancing Communication and Education: Improve communication between health care providers, patients and their families to ensure clarity and understanding.
- Promoting Patient-Centered Care: Ensure care delivery is patient-centered and responsive to individual needs, preferences and values. Patient-centered care focuses on:
- Respect for patients’ values, preferences and needs
- Coordination of care for more efficiency
- Comfort and emotional supports for mental health
- Information, communication and education
- Involvement of family and friends
- Addressing Access and Equity: Identify barriers to access and promote equitable health care delivery for all patients, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
- Quality Improvement and Patient Safety: Contribute to ongoing quality improvement efforts and ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Foster partnerships within the community and engage patients and families as partners in health care delivery.
PFACs at MU Health Care
Children’s Hospital and Birthing Center
Our Children’s Hospital and Birthing Center Patient and Family Advisory Council helps shape care for expecting moms, newborns, and children of all ages. By sharing your insights, you can help enhance the environments and experiences designed specifically for kids, moms-to-be and growing families.
Outpatient Care
Our Outpatient Care Patient and Family Advisory Council helps improve the experience across our more than 80 clinics across the region. Your feedback will help guide projects and initiatives aimed at ensuring patients of all ages receive the best care and support.
Apply Now
If you are interested in applying to one of our patient and family advisory councils, please complete the application form below and click submit when finished.